Ammonium Thiocyanate Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION
Ammonium Thiocyanate Extra Pure is a high-purity, white to colorless crystalline compound highly soluble in water and alcohol, widely used in laboratory chemistry for analytical and coordination studies. It is commonly employed in the detection and quantification of iron(III) ions, forming a deep red complex that is useful in colorimetric analysis. Additionally, it serves as a reagent in the synthesis of thiocyanate complexes, photographic processing, and certain organic reactions. Its extra pure grade ensures low impurity levels, supporting accurate and reproducible results in sensitive assays and spectroscopic studies. The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container, away from heat and moisture, to maintain its stability and effectiveness.
USES
Primary Uses
- Reagent for Iron(III) Detection (Blood-Red Complex Formation)
- Forms a deep blood-red complex Fe(SCN)6Fe(SCN)₆Fe(SCN)6³⁻ with Fe³⁺ ions — widely used in qualitative and colorimetric analysis of iron.
- Reagent in Spectrophotometric Iron Quantification
- Essential in UV-Vis spectroscopy to measure trace amounts of ferric iron in water, soil, or biological samples.
- Ligand in Coordination Chemistry
- Acts as a soft bidentate or ambidentate ligand forming stable complexes with transition metals (e.g., Co, Cu, Hg).
- Precursor in Organic Synthesis
- Used in the preparation of isothiocyanates, thioureas, and heterocyclic compounds in research synthesis.
- Educational Demonstrations of Color Reactions and Complex Ion Formation
- Popular for student labs involving complex ion equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle, and ligand exchange.
Secondary Uses
- Reagent in Forensic and Toxicology Testing
- Sometimes used in color tests for detecting metal ions or cyanide derivatives in forensic analysis.
- Thermal Decomposition and Gas Release Studies
- Decomposes at elevated temperatures to release ammonia, sulfur compounds, and isothiocyanic acid — useful in thermal analysis or gas evolution studies.
- Corrosion and Metal Etching Research
- Investigated in surface treatment and corrosion behavior of metals in aggressive ionic environments.
- Component in Photographic and Darkroom Chemistry (Historical/Research Use)
- Occasionally used in silver halide processing or fixing bath formulas in photographic chemistry.
- Ion-Exchange and Chromatography Reagent
- Applied in separating lanthanides or actinides due to its complexing ability with various metal ions.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Thiocyanate
- CAS Number: 1762-95-4
- HS Code: 28429090 (Other thiocyanates; ammonium thiocyanate under this general code)
- Molecular Formula: NH₄SCN
- Synonyms:
- Thiocyanic acid, ammonium salt
- Ammonium rhodanide
- Rhodan ammonium
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline powder)
- Color & Odor: White to colorless crystals; may have a faint sulfurous odor
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Melting Point: ~149–154 °C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.305 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water: Very soluble (~128 g/100 mL at 20 °C)
- Alcohol: Soluble
- pH Level: ~4.5–6.5 (in 5% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Acute Toxicity – Oral (Category 4)
- Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
- Skin Irritation (Category 2)
- Environmental Hazard – Aquatic Acute (Category 2)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No established OSHA/ACGIH limits; treat as potentially toxic
- Reactivity:
- Stable under normal lab conditions
- Reacts with strong acids (releasing toxic gases like H₂S and CS₂)
- Decomposes at high temperature
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Protect from light, moisture, and heat
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong acids, oxidizers, nitrates, and metals (can release toxic gases)
- Container Type:
- Sealed plastic or glass container
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~2–3 years when stored properly
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves, goggles, lab coat
- Handle in fume hood if heating or mixing with acids
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA, REACH
- Not controlled but regulated due to toxicity and aquatic hazard
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not classified as hazardous for shipping in small quantities
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Treat as hazardous waste
- Avoid release into drains; collect and dispose via certified chemical waste handler
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Harmful to aquatic life; toxic to fish and invertebrates
- Persistence in Environment:
- May persist and accumulate in aquatic systems
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic
- Biodegradability:
- Inorganic; not readily biodegradable
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear lab coat, chemical splash goggles, and nitrile or neoprene gloves.
- Use in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of vapors or dust.
- Handling:
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Prevent inhalation of dust or fumes.
- Keep away from acids, oxidizing agents, and heat sources—may decompose to release toxic gases.
- Do not mix with metal salts unless purposefully intended under controlled conditions.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Protect from heat, moisture, and light.
- Keep away from oxidizers, acids, and incompatible metals.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
- Decontaminate surfaces and equipment after handling.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move person to fresh air.
- If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek immediate medical attention.
- May cause irritation to the respiratory tract.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical attention if irritation or symptoms develop.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present.
- Seek immediate medical advice.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If the person is conscious, give water to dilute.
- Seek medical attention immediately — thiocyanates can interfere with thyroid function and are toxic in large doses.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), foam, or water spray as appropriate for surrounding materials.
- Specific Hazards:
- Not highly flammable but may decompose on heating, releasing:
- Toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
- Sulfur oxides (SOₓ)
- Ammonia
- Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
- Not highly flammable but may decompose on heating, releasing:
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers.
- Avoid inhalation of smoke or decomposition products.
Contain runoff—toxic to aquatic life and may contaminate water supplies.